How does the Israeli Execution Office compel a judgment debtor to disclose their assets?

The asset-disclosure summons is one of the most powerful tools available to judgment creditors in Israel. After the creditor opens an execution file and the debtor fails to satisfy the judgment voluntarily, the creditor's attorney applies to the Registrar of Execution for a summons. The Registrar issues the summons and it is served on the debtor through the courts' service system. The hearing is conducted at the Execution Office in the district where the debtor resides. The Registrar or a designated official conducts the examination under oath, with the creditor's attorney present. The debtor must disclose bank account numbers, property holdings, employment details, business interests, vehicles, and any other asset or income information. Transcripts of the hearing are recorded and are admissible in subsequent proceedings. The information obtained directly enables the Execution Office to issue bank account attachment orders, wage garnishment instructions, and property liens in follow-on enforcement steps.

For foreign creditors pursuing Israeli debtors, the sworn disclosure hearing is particularly valuable because it operates under penalty of perjury — the debtor cannot simply decline to answer without legal risk. Debtors who make false declarations face criminal prosecution under Section 239 of the Penal Law 5737-1977. Debtors who ignore the summons and fail to appear after proper service can be subject to a detention order issued by the Registrar until they attend and cooperate. The application costs the creditor approximately NIS 200–300 in filing fees, and a hearing date is typically scheduled within 2–6 weeks of the application, depending on the district Execution Office's workload. Foreign creditors should coordinate closely with their Israeli attorney to ensure the summons is properly served, particularly where the debtor's address is not immediately known or where the debtor is attempting to avoid service.

From the full guide: The Israeli Execution Office: A Complete Guide for Creditors

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